The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (March 8) released the latest grading of water quality for nine gazetted beaches that are open for swimming.

Six beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1), two as Fair (Grade 2) and one as Poor (Grade 3).

Grade 1 beaches are:

Big Wave Bay Beach

Middle Bay Beach

Clear Water Bay Second Beach

Repulse Bay Beach

Deep Water Bay Beach

Stanley Main Beach

Grade 2 beaches are:

Golden Beach

Silverstrand Beach

Grade 3 beach is:

Silver Mine Bay Beach

Compared with the grading released last week, Golden Beach has been changed from Grade 1 to Grade 2 and Silver Mine Bay Beach from Grade 1 to Grade 3.

"The changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beaches," the EPD spokesman said.

Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.

While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, an EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.

A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the department's website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.